I am traveling with 5 family members to Germany for the first time next month. We're visiting a small town where my grandfather was born. The town's archivist, tourist information person, and several others have been extremely helpful in locating the family home, arranging for us to visit it, finding the cemetery where my great-grandfather is buried, the list goes on. I plan to bring thank you gifts. We're from the Seattle area, so smoked salmon is on the list. Coffee and picture post-card books are possible additional choices, but is there anything that Germans might particularly enjoy receiving from Seattle/US?
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9173 posts
Smoked salmon is a wonderful idea. Not so sure about the coffee, as the choice over here is extensive and good. Isn't there a candy / nut thing made in the Seattle area? I know I have had it before and it is a bit unusual, just can't remember the name of it right now.
Usually Germans really like things made by Native Americans.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9173 posts
Almond Rocha was the name I was looking for. Thanks!
Posted by
Tacoma, WA, USA
671 posts
What about Almond Rocha?
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2092 posts
Jo~~The fruit and nut candy is probably "Aplets & Cotlets" from Liberty Orchards in Washington. They were a huge success last year when I took some to our friends in Zurich.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17284 posts
It could also be Chukar Cherries---chocolate covered dried cherries (or blueberries).
I've taken the vacuum-packed smoked samlon in the gift boxes with the Native American design on the box--- I think it's Portlock brand---as gifts. It is always well-received.
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
I also second the smoked salmon. The Canadian gift boxes often have a Haida design, I'm sure you can get something similar from the Seattle area.
Native crafts like dream catchers are also very popular.
Coffee is actually a somewhat traditional hostess gift to bring along. At least within our family circle. However it always has to be some really good German coffee. My father would kill me if I brought Starbucks coffee to Germany ... but some Germans might enjoy it.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I like something that relates to your home in Washington.
Applets and Cotlets are a Washington state candy.
I also think Columbia Gorge wines are really good.
If you buy them a beer, even a local beer in Germany, the hops are most likely grown in Washington state.
Posted by
Bend, OR
576 posts
I don't know if Germans like tea (Jo or James might know) but every time I'm in Seattle I stock up on the fabulous orange cinnamon Market Spice Tea from Pike Place Market.
Posted by
Tacoma, WA, USA
671 posts
Smoked salmon and Native American stuff does go over well. Just want to point out that Almond Rocha is a Washington product- it is from Tacoma.
My parents brought my grandfather over a bottle of Okanogan wine last month and when he put it away, they noticed it joined the bottle they sent with me in '08. (They have property over there, so they thought he would appreciate the connection- guess he preferred his personal preferences!)
And yes, many Germans loves tea. They are probably bigger drinkers than Americans.
Posted by
Lakewood, WA, USA
2 posts
If you're looking for the candy, it is Almond Roca (no "h").
Posted by
XXX
1170 posts
Taking items made in your state is always a treat.
I found that items "made in the US" but not from state was not as exciting somehow.
The little I saw of Washington State was enough to make me fall in love with it. Don't forget a calendar with gorgeous pics. I brought a few back for friends here and they want to frame the pictures.